1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane azeotropic (like) compositions

ABSTRACT

Compositions of 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane and a compound of the formula selected from the group consisting of a 4-6 carbon linear or a cyclic hydrofluorocarbon or fluorocarbon, a 3-5 carbon fluoroether, a fluorinated alcohol, perfluoro-n-methylmorpholine; and an ether are disclosed. These compositions, which may be azeotropic or azeotrope-like, may be used as refrigerants, in small turbine high speed compressors. They may also be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, displacement drying agents or as an anesthetic.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to compositions that include an octafluorobutane. More specifically, this invention relates to binary compositions containing 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane and a compound selected from the group consisting of a 4-6 carbon linear or a cyclic hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or fluorocarbon (FC), a 3-5 carbon fluoroether, a fluorinated alcohol, perfluoro-n-methylmorpholine, and an ether. These compositions are useful as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, refrigerants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, displacement drying agents and as an anesthetic.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluorinated hydrocarbons have many uses, one of which is as a refrigerant. Such refrigerants include trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) and chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22).

In recent years it has been pointed out that certain kinds of fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigerants released into the atmosphere may adversely affect the stratospheric ozone layer. Although this proposition has not yet been completely established, there is a movement toward the control of the use and the production of certain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) under an international agreement.

Accordingly, there is a demand for the development of refrigerants that have a lower ozone depletion potential than existing refrigerants while still achieving an acceptable performance in refrigeration applications. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have been suggested as replacements for CFCs and HCFCs since HFCs have no chlorine and therefore have zero ozone depletion potential.

In refrigeration applications, a refrigerant is often lost during operation through leaks in shaft seals, hose connections, soldered joints and broken lines. In addition, the refrigerant may be released to the atmosphere during maintenance procedures on refrigeration equipment. If the refrigerant is not a pure component or an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition, the refrigerant composition may change when leaked or discharged to the atmosphere from the refrigeration equipment, which may cause the refrigerant to become flammable or to have poor refrigeration performance.

Accordingly, it is desirable to use as a refrigerant a single fluorinated hydrocarbon or an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition that includes one or more fluorinated hydrocarbons.

Fluorinated hydrocarbons may also be used as a cleaning agent or solvent to clean, for example, electronic circuit boards. It is desirable that the cleaning agents be azeotropic or azeotrope-like because in vapor degreasing operations the cleaning agent is generally redistilled and reused for final rinse cleaning.

Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions that include a fluorinated hydrocarbon are also useful as blowing agents in the manufacture of closed-cell polyurethane, phenolic and thermoplastic foams, as propellants in aerosols, as heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids such as for heat pumps, inert media for polymerization reactions, fluids for removing particulates from metal surfaces, as carrier fluids that may be used, for example, to place a fine film of lubricant on metal parts, as buffing abrasive agents to remove buffing abrasive compounds from polished surfaces such as metal, as displacement drying agents for removing water, such as from jewelry or metal parts, as resist developers in conventional circuit manufacturing techniques including chlorine-type developing agents, or as strippers for photoresists when used with, for example, a chlorohydrocarbon such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane or trichloroethylene.

It has become increasingly important to identify compositions to replace CFC-113 in small high speed turbine compressors. Small high speed turbine compressors have become part of an emerging new technology for air conditioning systems that operate at low pressures. Target applications include air conditioning of automobiles, buses, trains, recreational vehicles, rooftop and residential window units. Potential advantages include low emission rates, small size, light weight, and higher energy efficiency with variable speed control. The azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions disclosed herein, have been identified as providing suitable performance in these systems. As discussed above, these compositions, may also be useful in other applications, particularly as cleaning agents and blowing agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the discovery of refrigerant compositions of 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane (HFC-338pcc) and a compound selected from the group consisting of a 4-6 carbon linear or a cyclic HFC or FC, a 3-5 carbon fluoroether, a fluorinated alcohol, perfluoro-n-methylmorpholine and an ether. These compositions are particularly useful as refrigerants, particularly in small, high speed turbine compressors, or cleaning agents. These compositions are also useful as expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents. Further, the invention relates to the discovery of binary azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions comprising effective amounts of 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane and a compound selected from the group consisting of a 4-6 carbon linear or cyclic HFC or FC, a 3-5 carbon fluoroether, a fluorinated alcohol, perfluoro-n-methylmorpholine and an ether to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and HFC-42-11mmyc at 25° C.;

FIG. 2 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and HFC-42-11p at 25° C.;

FIG. 3 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and HFC43-10mf at 25° C.;

FIG. 4 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and HFC-449mmzf at 25° C.;

FIG. 5 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and HFC-c354cc at 25° C.;

FIG. 6 as a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and HFC-c51-12c at 25° C.;

FIG. 7 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and HFC-c429 at 25° C.;

FIG. 8 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and HFC-c52-11 at 25° C.;

FIG. 9 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 245caEαβ at 25° C.;

FIG. 10 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 245eaE at 25° C.;

FIG. 11 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 338meeEβγ at 25° C.;

FIG. 12 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 338peEγδ at 25° C.;

FIG. 13 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 347mcfEβγ at 25° C.;

FIG. 14 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 347mcfEγδ at 25° C.;

FIG. 15 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 347mmzEβγ at 25° C.;

FIG. 16 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 356mecEγδ at 25° C.;

FIG. 17 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 356mecE2aβγδ at 25° C.;

FIG. 18 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 356mmzEβγ at 25° C.;

FIG. 19 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 365mcEγδ at 25° C.;

FIG. 20 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 374pcEβγ at 25° C.;

FIG. 21 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 383mEβγ at 25° C.;

FIG. 22 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-338pcc and 467mmyEβγ at 25° C.;

FIG. 23 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-388pcc and 467sfEγδ at 25° C.;

FIG. 24 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-388pcc and C₄ F₉ OCH₃ ;

FIG. 25 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-388pcc and (CF₃)₃ COH;

FIG. 26 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-388pcc and C₅ F₁₁ NO;

FIG. 27 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-388pcc and dimethoxymethane;

FIG. 28 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-388pcc and diethylether;

FIG. 29 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-388pcc and diethoxyethane; and

FIG. 30 is a graph of the vapor/liquid equilibrium curve for mixtures of HFC-388pcc and HFC-43-10mcf.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane (HFC-338pcc) and a compound selected from the group consisting of a 4-6 carbon linear or a cyclic HFC or FC, a 3-5 carbon fluoroether, a fluorinated alcohol, perfluoro-n-methylmorpholine and an ether. Examples of these compositions include:

(a) HFC-338pcc and 1,1,1,2,3,3,4,4-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)butane (HFC-42-11mmyc); 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-undecafluoropentane (HFC-42-11p); (1,1,2,2,3,3,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mf); 1,1,1,2,2,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mcf)); and 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)butane (HFC-449mmzf); or

(b) HFC-338pcc and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluorocyclobutane (HFC-c354cc); perfluorocyclohexane (FC-c51-12c); 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5-nonafluorocyclopentane (HFC-c429); and 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6-undecafluorocyclohexane (HFC-c52-11); or

(c) HFC-338pcc and 1-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,2-trifluoroethane CHF₂ OCF₂ CH₂ F, (245caEαβ); 1-(difluoromethoxy)-1,2,2-trifluoroethane CHF₂ OCHFCHF₂, (245eaE); 1,1'-oxybis(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro)ethane CF₃ CHFOCHFCF₃, (338 meeEβγ); 3-difluoromethoxy-1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane CHF₂ OCHFCF₂ CF₃, (338peEγδ); 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)ethane CHF₂ CH₂ OCF₂ CF₃, (347mcfEβγ); 3-difluoromethoxy-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane CHF₂ OCH₂ CF₂ CF₃, (347mcfEγδ); 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-fluoromethoxypropane CH₂ FOCH(CF₃)₂, (347mmzEβγ); 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-methoxypropane CH₃ OCF₂ CHFCF₃, (356mecEγδ); 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethane CH₃ OCF₂ CHFOCF₃, (356mecE2αβγδ); 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane (CF₃)₂ CHOCH₃, (356mmzEβγ); 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoro-3-methoxypropane CF₃ CF₂ CH₂ OCH₃, (365mcEγδ); 1-ethoxy-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane C₂ H₅ OCF₂ CHF₂, (374pcEβγ); 2-ethoxy-1,1,1-trifluoroethane C₂ H₅ OCH₂ CF₃ (383mEβγ); 2-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane C₂ H₅ OCF(CF₃)₂, (467mmyEβγ); 3-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,2,3,3 -heptafluoropropane C₂ H₅ OCF₂ CF₂ CF₃, (467sfEγδ); C₄ F₉ OCH₃ ; or (CF₃)₃ COH; or

(d) HFC-338pcc and nonafluoro-tert-butanol (CF₃)₃ COH; or

(e) HFC-338pcc and perfluoro-n-methylmorpholine (C₅ F₁₁ NO); or

(f) HFC-338pcc and dimethoxymethane; diethylether or diethoxyethane.

Examples of these compounds include the following:

1. 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane (CHF₂ CF₂ CF₂ CHF₂, HFC-338pcc, boiling point=44.4° C.);

2. 1-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,2-trifluoroethane (CHF₂ OCF₂ CH₂ F, 245caEαβ, boiling point=40° C.);

3. 1-(difluoromethoxy)-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (CHF₂ OCHFCHF₂, 245eaE, boiling point=53.0° C.);

4. 1,1'-oxybis(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro)ethane (CF₃ CHFOCHFCF₃, 338meeEβγ, boiling point=50.0° C.);

5. 3-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (CHF₂ OCHFCF₂ CF₃, 338peEγδ, boiling point=44.5° C.);

6. 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-ethane (CHF₂ CH₂ OCF₂ CF₃, 347mcfEβγ, boiling point=45.4° C.);

7. 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethane (CH₃ OCF₂ CHFOCF₃, 356mecE2αβγδ, boiling point=58.0° C.);

8. 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-methoxypropane (CH₃ OCF₂ CHFCF₃, 356mecEγδ, boiling point=56.0° C.);

9. 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane ((CF₃)₂ CHOCH₃, 356mmzEβγ, boiling point=50.0° C.);

10. 1-ethoxy-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (C₂ H₅ OCF₂ CHF2, 374pcEβγ, boiling point=56.0° C.);

11. 2-ethoxy-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (C₂ H₅ OCH₂ CF₃, 383mEβγ, boiling point=49.9° C.);

12. 3-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane (C₂ H₅ OCF₂ CF₂ CF₃, 467sfEγδ, boiling point=51.5° C.);

13. 2-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (C₂ H₅ OCF(CF₃)₂, 467mmyEβγ, boiling point=45.5° C.);

14. 1,1,2,2-tetrafluorocyclobutane (cyclo-CF₂ CF₂ CH₂ CH₂ --, c354cc, boiling point=50.0° C.);

15. 1,1,1,2,3,3,4,4-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)butane ((CF₃)₂ CFCF₂ CHF₂, HFC-42-11mmyc, boiling point=45.5° C.);

16. 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-undecafluoropentane (CHF₂ CF₂ CF₂ CF₂ CF₃, HFC-42-11p, boiling point=45.0° C.);

17. 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (CF₃ CH₂ CF₂ CF₂ CF₃, HFC-43-10mf, boiling point=47.0° C.);

18. 1,1,1,2,2,4,4,5,5-decafluoropentane (CF₃ CF₂ CH₂ CF₂ CF₃, HFC-45-10mcf, boiling point=50.0° C.).

19. perfluorocyclohexane (cyclo-C₆ F₁₂, c51-12c, boiling point=52.8° C.);

20. 3-difluoromethoxy-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (CHF₂ OCH₂ CF₂ CF₃, 347mcfEγδ, boiling point=45.9° C.);

21. C₄ F₉ OCH₃ isomers including 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,-nonafluoro-4-methoxy-butane (CH₃ OCF₂ CF₂ CF₂ CF₃), 1,1,1,2,3,3,-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-3-methoxy-propane (CH₃ OCF₂ CF(CF₃)₂), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)-propane (CH₃ OC(CF₃)₃), and 1,1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluoro-2-methoxy-butane (CH₃ OCF(CF₃)CF₂ CF₃), approximate isomer boiling point=60° C.;

22. perfluoro-n-methylmorpholine (C₅ F₁₁ NO, boiling point=50.0° C.);

23. nonafluoro-tert-butanol ((CF₂)₃ COH, boiling point=45.0° C.);

24. 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)butane ((CF₃)₃₂ CHCH₂ CF₃, HFC-449mmzf, boiling point=52.5° C.);

25. 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5-nonafluorocyclopentane (cyclo-(CF₂)₄ CHF--, HFC-c429, boiling point=50° C.);

26. 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6-undecacyclohexane (cyclo-(CF₂)₅ CHF--, HFC-c52-11, boiling point=63.0° C.);

27. 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-fluoromethoxypropane (CH₂ FOCH(CF₃)₂, 347mmzEβγ, boiling point=58.1° C.);

28. 1, 1,1,2,2-pentafluoro-3-methoxypropane (CF₃ CF₂ CH₂ OCH₃, 365mcEγδ, boiling point=48.4° C.);

29. Dimethoxymethane (CH₃ OCH₂ OCH₃, boiling point=45.5° C.);

30. Diethylether (CH₃ CH₂ OCH₂ CH₃, boiling point=34.6° C.);

31. Diethoxyethane (C₂ H₅ OCH₂ OC₂ H₅, boiling point=121.0° C.).

1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane, CF₂ HCF₂ CF₂ CF₂ H, HFC-338pcc, may be made by refluxing the potassium salt of perfluoroadipic acid in ethylene glycol as reported by Hudlicky, et. al. in J. Fluorine Chemistry, Vol. 59, pp. 9-14 (1992).

1-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,2-trifluoroethane (245caEαβ, CHF₂ OCF₂ CH₂ F, CAS Reg. No. 69948-24-9!) has been prepared by hydrogenation of 2-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether at 200° C. over a palladium catalyst as disclosed by Bagnall, et al. in J. Fluorine Chem., Vol. 13 pages 123-140 (1979).

1-(difluoromethoxy)-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (245eaE, CHF₂ OCHFCHF₂, CAS Reg. No. 60113-74-8!) has been prepared by hydrogenation of 1,2-dichloro-1,22-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether at a temperature range of 200°-250° C. using a palladium on charcoal catalyst as disclosed by Bell, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,018.

1,1'-oxybis(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro)ethane (338meeEβγ, CF₃ CHFOCHFCF₃, CAS Reg. No. 67429-44-1!) has been prepared by the reaction of diethylaminosulfur trifluoride with trifluoroacetaldehyde as disclosed by Siegemund Ger. Offen. 2,656,545.

3-(Difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (338peEγδ, CHF₂ OCHFCF₂ CF₃, CAS Reg. No. 60598-11-0!) may be prepared from pentafluoropropanol, chlorodifluoromethane, chlorine, and cobalt(III)fluoride by a process similar to that used for CHF₂ OCHFCF₂ CHF₂ and disclosed by Bagnall, et al. in J. Fluorine Chem., Vol. 11, pp. 93-107 (1978).

3-Difluoromethoxy-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (347mcfEγδ, CHF₂ OCH₂ CF₂ CF₃, CAS Reg. No. 56860-81-2!) has been prepared by the reaction of 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propanol with chlorodifluoromethane in the presence of aqueous sodium hydroxide as disclosed by Regan in U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,256.

1,1,2-trifluoro-1-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethane (356mecE2αβγδ, CH₃ OCF₂ CHFOCF₃, CAS Reg. No. 996-56-5!) may be prepared by the reaction of trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether with methanol as disclosed by Tumanova, et al. in Zh. Obshch. Khim., Vol. 35, pp. 399-400 (1965).

1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-methoxypropane (356mecEγδ, CH₃ OCF₂ CHFCF₃, CAS Reg. No. 382-34-3!) has been prepared by the reaction of methanol with hexafluoropropene as disclosed by England, et. al. in J. Fluorine Chem., Vol. 3, pp. 63-8 (1973/74).

1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane (356mmzEβγ, (CF₃)₂ CHOCH₃, CAS Reg. No. 13171-18-1!) has been prepared by the reaction of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol with dimethyl sulfate in the presence of aqueous sodium hydroxide as disclosed by Gilbert, et. al. in U.S. Pat. No. 3,346,448.

1-ethoxy-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (374pcEβγ, C₂ H₅ OCF₂ CHF₂, CAS Reg. No. 512-51-6!) has been prepared by the reaction of ethanol with tetrafluoroethylene as reported by Park, et. al. in J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol.73, pp. 1329-1330 (1951).

2-ethoxy-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (383mEβγ, C₂ H₅ OCH₂ CF₃, CAS Reg. No. 461-24-5!) has been prepared by reaction of sodium trifluoroethoxide with ethyl bromide as disclosed by Henne, et al. in J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 72, pp. 4378-4380 (1950).

3-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane (467sfEγδ, C₂ H₅ OCF₂ CF₂ CF₃, CAS Reg. No. 22052-86-4!) has been prepared by reaction of pentafluoropropionyl fluoride with potassium fluoride and diethyl sulfate in N,N-dimethylformamide as disclosed by Scherer, et. al. in Ger. Offen. 1,294,949.

2-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (467mmyEβγ, C₂ H₅ OCF(CF₃)₂, CAS. Reg. No. 22137-14-0!) may be prepared by the reaction of ethyl iodide with a mixture of hexafluoroacetone and potassium fluoride as disclosed in French Patent 1,506,638.

1,1,2,2-tetrafluorocyclobutane (HFC-c-354cc, cyclo-CF₂ CF₂ CH₂ CH₂ --, CAS Reg. No. 374-12-9!) has been prepared by reacting ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene at 150° C. as disclosed by Coffman, et. al. in J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 71, pp. 490-496 (1949).

1,1,1,2,3,3,4,4-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)butane (HFC-42-11mmyc, (CF₃)₂ CFCF₂ CHF₂, CAS Reg. No. 1960-20-9!) has been prepared by reducing 1-iodo-1,1,2,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)butane with zinc in the presence of sulfuric acid as disclosed by Chambers, et. al. in Tetrahedron, Vol. 20, pp. 497-506 (1964).

1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-undecafluoropentane (HFC-42-11p, CHF₂ CF₂ CF₂ CF₂ CF₃, CAS Reg. No. 375-61-1!) has been prepared by treating 1-iodo-1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-undecafluoropentane with alcoholic potassium hydroxide at elevated temperature as disclosed by Haszeldine in J. Chem. Soc. pp. 3761-3768 (1953).

1,1,1,2,2,3,3,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mf, CF₃ CH₂ CF₂ C₂ F₅, CAS Reg. No. 755-45-3!) has been prepared by the reaction of antimony dichlorotrifluoride with 1-iodo-1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoropentane (prepared in turn from vinylidene fluoride and 1-iodo-heptafluoropropane) as disclosed by Hauptschein, et al. in J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 82, pp. 2868-2871 (1960).

1-99 wt. % of each of the components of the compositions can be used as refrigerants or cleaning agents. Further, the present invention also relates to the discovery of azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of effective amounts of each of the above mixtures to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition.

By "azeotropic" composition is meant a constant boiling liquid admixture of two or more substances that behaves as a single substance. One way to characterize an azeotropic composition is that the vapor produced by partial evaporation or distillation of the liquid has the same composition as the liquid from which it was evaporated or distilled, that is, the admixture distills/refluxes without compositional change. Constant boiling compositions are characterized as azeotropic because they exhibit either a maximum or minimum boiling point, as compared with that of the non-azeotropic mixtures of the same components.

By "azeotrope-like" composition is meant a constant boiling, or substantially constant boiling, liquid admixture of two or more substances that behaves as a single substance. One way to characterize an azeotrope-like composition is that the vapor produced by partial evaporation or distillation of the liquid has substantially the same composition as the liquid from which it was evaporated or distilled, that is, the admixture distills/refluxes without substantial composition change. Another way to characterize an azeotrope-like composition is that the bubble point vapor pressure and the dew point vapor pressure of the composition at a particular temperature are substantially the same.

It is recognized in the art that a composition is azeotrope-like if, after 50 weight percent of the composition is removed such as by evaporation or boiling off, the difference in vapor pressure between the original composition and the composition remaining after 50 weight percent of the original composition has been removed is less than 10 percent, when measured in absolute units. By absolute units, it is meant measurements of pressure and, for example, psia, atmospheres, bars, torr, dynes per square centimeter, millimeters of mercury, inches of water and other equivalent terms well known in the art. If an azeotrope is present, there is no difference in vapor pressure between the original composition and the composition remaining after 50 weight percent of the original composition has been removed.

Therefore, included in this invention are compositions of effective amounts of:

(a) HFC-338pcc and 1,1,1,2,3,3,4,4-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)butane (HFC-42-11mmyc); 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-undecafluoropentane (HFC-42-11p); 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mf); 1,1,1,2,2,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mcf); and 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)butane (HFC-449mmzf); or

(b) HFC-338pcc and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluorocyclobutane (HFC-c354cc); perfluorocyclohexane (FC-c51-12c); 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5-nonafluorocyclopentane (HFC-c429); and 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6-undecafluorocyclohexane (HFC-c52-11); or

(c) HFC-338pcc and 1-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,2-trifluoroethane CHF₂ OCF₂ CH₂ F, (245caEαβ); 1-(difluoromethoxy)-1,2,2-trifluoroethane CHF₂ OCHFCHF₂,.(245eaE); 1,1'-oxybis(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro)ethane CF₃ CHFOCHFCF₃, (338 meeEβγ); 3-difluoromethoxy-1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane CHF₂ OCHFCF₂ CF₃, (338peEγδ); 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)ethane CHF₂ CH₂ OCF₂ CF₃, (347mcfEβγ); 3-difluoromethoxy-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane CHF₂ OCH₂ CF₂ CF₃, (347mcfEγδ); 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-fluoromethoxypropane CH₂ FOCH(CF₃)₂, (347mmzEβγ); 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-methoxypropane CH₃ OCF₂ CHFCF₃, (356mecEγδ); 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethane CH₃ OCF₂ CHFOCF₃, (356mecE2αβγδ); 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane (CF₃)₂ CHOCH₃, (356mmzEβγ); 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoro-3-methoxypropane CF₃ CF₂ CH₂ OCH₃, (365mcEγδ); 1-ethoxy-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane C₂ H₅ OCF₂ CHF₂, (374pcEβγ); 2-ethoxy-1,1,1-trifluoroethane C₂ H₅ OCH₂ CF₃ (383mEβγ); 2-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane C₂ H₅ OCF(CF₃)₂, (467mmyEβγ); 3-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane C₂ H₅ OCF₂ CF₂ CF₃, (467sfEγδ); C₄ F₉ OCH₃ ; or (CF₃)₃ COH; or

(d) HFC-338pcc and nonafluoro-tert-butanol (CF₃)₃ COH; or

(e) HFC-338pcc and perfluoro-n-methylmorpholine (C₅ F₁₁ NO); or

(f) HFC-338pcc and dimethoxymethane; diethylether or diethoxyethane.

such that after 50 weight percent of an original composition is evaporated or boiled off to produce a remaining composition, the difference in the vapor pressure between the original composition and the remaining composition is 10 percent or less.

For compositions that are azeotropic, there is usually some range of compositions around the azeotrope point that, for a maximum boiling azeotrope, have boiling points at a particular pressure higher than the pure components of the composition at that pressure and have pure components of the composition at that temperature, and that, for a minimum boiling azeotrope, have boiling points at a particular pressure lower than the pure components of the composition at that pressure and have vapor pressures at a particular temperature higher than the pure components of the composition at that temperature. Boiling temperatures and vapor pressures above or below that of the pure components are caused by unexpected intermolecular forces between and among the molecules of the compositions, which can be a combination of repulsive and attractive forces such as van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding.

The range of compositions that have a maximum or minimum boiling point at a particular pressure, or a maximum or minimum vapor pressure at a particular temperature, may or may not be coextensive with the range of compositions that have a change in vapor pressure of less than about 10% when 50 weight percent of the composition is evaporated. In those cases where the range of compositions that have maximum or minimum boiling temperatures at a particular pressure, or maximum or minimum vapor pressures at a particular temperature, are broader than the range of compositions that have a change in vapor pressure of less than about 10% when 50 weight percent of the composition is evaporated, the unexpected intermolecular forces are nonetheless believed important in that the refrigerant compositions having those forces that are not substantially constant boiling may exhibit unexpected increases in the capacity or efficiency versus the components of the refrigerant composition.

The components of the compositions of this invention have the following vapor pressures at 25° C.

    ______________________________________                                         COMPONENTS          PSIA   KPA                                                 ______________________________________                                         HFC-338pcc          6.88   47.4                                                HFC-42-11mmyc       6.97   48.1                                                HFC-42-11p          7.09   48.9                                                HFC-43-10mf         6.64   45.8                                                HFC-449mmzf         5.42   37.4                                                HFC-c354cc          6.36   43.9                                                FC-c51-12c          5.67   39.1                                                HFC-c429            9.22   63.6                                                HFC-c52-11          3.93   27.1                                                245caEαβ 8.51   58.7                                                245eaE              5.22   36.0                                                338meeEβγ                                                                               5.80   40.0                                                338peEγδ                                                                               7.12   49.1                                                347mcfEβγ                                                                               6.91   47.6                                                347mcfEγδ                                                                              6.79   46.8                                                347mmzEβγ                                                                               4.32   29.8                                                356mecEγδ                                                                              5.09   35.1                                                356mecE2αβγδ                                                                4.22   29.1                                                356mmzEβγ                                                                               5.73   39.5                                                365mcEγδ                                                                               6.33   43.6                                                374pcEβγ 4.77   32.9                                                383mEβγ  5.98   41.2                                                467mmyEγβδ                                                                        6.93   47.8                                                467sfEγδ                                                                               5.56   38.3                                                C.sub.4 F.sub.9 OCH.sub.3                                                                          4.07   28.1                                                (CF.sub.3).sub.3 COH                                                                               6.36   43.9                                                C.sub.5 F.sub.11 NO 5.98   41.2                                                dimethoxymethane    6.91   47.6                                                diethylether        10.5   72.4                                                diethoxyethane      0.38   2.6                                                 HFC-43-l0mcf        5.96   41.1                                                ______________________________________                                    

Substantially constant boiling, azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of this invention comprise the following (all compositions are measured at 25° C.):

    ______________________________________                                                          WEIGHT RANGES                                                                               PREFERRED                                        COMPONENTS       (wt. %/wt/%) (wt. %/wt. %)                                    ______________________________________                                         HFC-338pcc/HFC-42-11mmyc                                                                        1-99/1-99     20-80/20-80                                     HFC-338pcc/HFC-42-11p                                                                           1-99/1-99     20-80/20-80                                     HFC-338pcc/HFC-43-10mf                                                                          1-99/1-99     20-80/20-80                                     HFC-338pcc/HFC-449mmzf                                                                          1-99/1-99    40-99/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/HFC-c354cc                                                                           1-99/1-99    40-99/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/FC-c51-12c                                                                           1-99/1-99    40-99/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/HFC-c429                                                                             1-99/1-99    20-99/1-80                                       HFC-338pcc/HFC-c52-11                                                                           1-99/1-99     1-60/40-99                                      HFC-338pcc/245caEαβ                                                                  1-99/1-99    40-99/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/245eaE                                                                               1-99/1-99    50-99/1-50                                       HFC-338pcc/338meeEβγ                                                                 1-99/1-99    40-99/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/338peEγδ                                                                 1-99/1-99    40-90/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/347mcfEβγ                                                                 1-99/1-99    40-90/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/347mcfEγδ                                                                1-99/1-99    40-90/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/347mmzEβγ                                                                 1-99/1-99    50-99/1-40                                       HFC-338pcc/356mecEγδ                                                                1-99/1-99    60-99/1-40                                       HFC-338pcc/356mecE2αβγδ                                                  1-99/1-99    60-99/1-40                                       HFC-338pcc/356mmzEβγ                                                                 1-99/1-99    60-99/1-40                                       HFC-338pcc/365mcEγδ                                                                 1-99/1-99    60-99/1-40                                       HFC-338pcc/374pcEβγ                                                                  1-99/1-99    60-99/1-40                                       HFC-338pcc/383mEβγ                                                                   1-99/1-99    50-99/1-50                                       HFC-338pcc/467mmyEβγ                                                                 1-99/1-99    40-99/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/467sfEγδ                                                                 1-99/1-99    50-99/1-50                                       HFC-338pcc/C.sub.4 F.sub.9 OCH.sub.3                                                            1-99/1-99    50-99/1-40                                       HFC-338pcc/(CF.sub.3).sub.3 COH                                                                  1-88/12-99   40-80/20-60                                     HFC-338pcc/C.sub.5 F.sub.11 NO                                                                  1-99/1-99    40-99/1-60                                       HFC-338pcc/dimethoxymethane                                                                     1-95/5-99    60-95/5-40                                       HFC-338pcc/diethylether                                                                          1-86/14-99   40-86/14-60                                     HFC-338pcc/diethoxyethane                                                                       83-99.9/0.1-17                                                                              83-99.9/0.1-17                                   HFC-33pcc/HFC-43-10mcf                                                                          1-99/1-99    30-99/1-70                                       ______________________________________                                    

For purposes of this invention, "effective amount" is defined as the amount of each component of the inventive compositions which, when combined, results in the formation of an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition. This definition includes the amounts of each component, which amounts may vary depending on the pressure applied to the composition so long as the azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions continue to exist at the different pressures, but with possible different boiling points.

Therefore, effective amount includes the amounts, such as may be expressed in weight percentages, of each component of the compositions of the instant invention which form azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions at temperatures or pressures other than as described herein.

For the purposes of this discussion, azeotropic or constant-boiling is intended to mean also essentially azeotropic or essentially-constant boiling. In other words, included within the meaning of these terms are not only the true azeotropes described above, but also other compositions containing the same components in different proportions, which are true azeotropes at other temperatures and pressures, as well as those equivalent compositions which are part of the same azeotropic system and are azeotrope-like in their properties. As is well recognized in this art, there is a range of compositions which contain the same components as the azeotrope, which will not only exhibit essentially equivalent properties for refrigeration and other applications, but which will also exhibit essentially equivalent properties to the true azeotropic composition in terms of constant boiling characteristics or tendency not to segregate or fractionate on boiling.

It is possible to characterize, in effect, a constant boiling admixture which may appear under many guises, depending upon the conditions chosen, by any of several criteria:

* The composition can be defined as an azeotrope of A, B, C (and D . . . ) since the very term "azeotrope" is at once both definitive and limitative, and requires that effective amounts of A, B, C (and D . . . ) for this unique composition of matter which is a constant boiling composition.

* It is well known by those skilled in the art, that, at different pressures, the composition of a given azeotrope will vary at least to some degree, and changes in pressure will also change, at least to some degree, the boiling point temperature. Thus, an azeotrope of A, B, C (and D . . . ) represents a unique type of relationship but with a variable composition which depends on temperature and/or pressure. Therefore, compositional ranges, rather than fixed compositions, are often used to define azeotropes.

* The composition can be defined as a particular weight percent relationship or mole percent relationship of A, B, C (and D . . . ), while recognizing that such specific values point out only one particular relationship and that in actuality, a series of such relationships, represented by A, B, C (and D . . . ) actually exist for a given azeotrope, varied by the influence of pressure.

* An azeotrope of A, B, C (and D . . . ) can be characterized by defining the compositions as an azeotrope characterized by a boiling point at a given pressure, thus giving identifying characteristics without unduly limiting the scope of the invention by a specific numerical composition, which is limited by and is only as accurate as the analytical equipment available.

The azeotrope or azeotrope-like compositions of the present invention can be prepared by any convenient method including mixing or combining the desired amounts. A preferred method is to weigh the desired component amounts and thereafter combine them in an appropriate container.

Specific examples illustrating the invention are given below. Unless otherwise stated therein, all percentages are by weight. It is to be understood that these examples are merely illustrative and in no way are to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Phase Study

A phase study shows the following compositions are azeotropic. The temperature is 25° C.

    ______________________________________                                                                Vapor Press.                                            Composition      Weight Percents                                                                            psia    kPa                                       ______________________________________                                         HFC-338pcc/HFC-42-11mmyc                                                                        41.6/58.4   7.14    49.2                                      HFC-338pcc/HFC-42-11p                                                                           34.2/65.8   7.22    49.8                                      HFC-338pcc/HFC-43-10mf                                                                          51.5/48.5   7.52    51.8                                      HFC-338pcc/HFC-449mmzf                                                                          73.3/26.7   7.10    49.0                                      HFC-338pcc/HFC-c354cc                                                                           62.3/37.7   7.72    53 .2                                     HFC-338pcc/FC-c51-12c                                                                           68.4/31.6   7.10    49.0                                      HFC-338pcc/HFC-c429                                                                             68.4/31.6   6.18    42.6                                      HFC-338pcc/HFC-c52-11                                                                           12.5/87.5   3.88    26.8                                      HFC-338pcc/245caEαβ                                                                  49.1/50.9   9.06    62.5                                      HFC-338pcc/245eaE                                                                               81.0/19.0   7.50    51.7                                      HFC-338pcc/338meeEβγ                                                                 80.1/19.9   7.15    49.3                                      HFC-338pcc/338peEgδ                                                                       59.0/41.0   7.54    52.0                                      HFC-338pcc/347mcfEβγ                                                                 64.1/35.9   7.53    51.9                                      HFC-338pcc/347mcfEγδ                                                                66.4/33.6   7.48    51.6                                      HFC-338pcc/347mmzEβγ                                                                 93.3/6.7    6.93    47.8                                      HFC-338pcc/356mecEγδ                                                                88.9/11.1   7.15    49.3                                      HFC-338pcc/356mecE2αβγδ                                                  88.4/11.6   7.06    48.7                                      HFC-338pcc/356mmzEβγ                                                                 85.4/14.6   7.26    50.1                                      HFC-338pcc/365mcEγδ                                                                 81.0/19.0   7.52    51.8                                      HFC-338pcc/374pcEβγ                                                                  84.8/15.2   7.36    50.7                                      HFC-338pcc/383mEβγ                                                                   78.5/21.5   7.86    54.2                                      HFC-338pcc/467mmyEβγ                                                                 64.7/35.3   7.60    52.4                                      HFC-338pcc/467sfEγδ                                                                 81.6/18.4   7.20    49.6                                      HFC-338pcc/C.sub.4 F.sub.9 OCH.sub.3                                                            95.3/4.7    6.91    47.6                                      HFC-338pcc/(CF.sub.3).sub.3 COH                                                                 60.0/40.0   8.74    60.3                                      HFC-338pcc/C.sub.5 F.sub.11 NO                                                                  61.8/38.2   7.15    49.3                                      HFC-338pcc/dimethoxymethane                                                                     85.0/15.0   8.94    61.6                                      HFC-338pcc/diethylether                                                                         63.7/36.3   12.7    87.6                                      HFC-338pcc/diethoxyethane                                                                       98.7/1.3    6.96    48.0                                      HFC-388pcc/HFC-43-10mcf                                                                         64.0/36.0   7.23    49.8                                      ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 2 Impact of Vapor Leakage on Vapor Pressure at 25° C.

A vessel is charged with an initial liquid composition at 25° C. The liquid, and the vapor above the liquid, are allowed to come to equilibrium, and the vapor pressure in the vessel is measured. Vapor is allowed to leak from the vessel, while the temperature is held constant at 25° C., until 50 weight percent of the initial charge is removed, at which time the vapor pressure of the composition remaining in the vessel is measured. The results are summarized below.

    ______________________________________                                                   0 wt %      50 wt %                                                  Refrigerant                                                                              evaporated  evaporated  0% change in                                 Composition                                                                              psia    kPa     psia  kPa   vapor pressure                           ______________________________________                                         HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-42-11mmyc                                                                  41.6/58.4 7.14    49.2    7.14  49.2  0.0                                      20/80     7.10    49.0    7.10  49.0  0.0                                       1/99     6.98    48.1    6.97  48.1  0.1                                      60/40     7.12    49.1    7.11  49.0  0.1                                      80/20     7.03    48.5    7.02  48.4  0.1                                      99/1      6.89    47.5    6.89  47.5  0.0                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-42-11p                                                                     34.2/65.8 7.22    49.8    7.22  49.8  0.0                                      15/85     7.18    49.5    7.18  49.5  0.0                                       1/99     7.10    49.0    7.10  49.0  0.0                                      60/40     7.16    49.4    7.16  49.4  0.0                                      80/20     7.05    48.6    7.04  48.5  0.1                                      99/1      6.89    47.5    6.89  47.5  0.0                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-43-10mf                                                                    51.5/48.5 7.52    51.8    7.52  51.8  0.0                                      20/80     7.24    49.9    7.18  49.5  0.8                                       1/99     6.68    46.1    6.67  46.0  0.1                                      80/20     7.32    50.5    7.27  50.1  0.7                                      99/1      6.91    47.6    6.90  47.6  0.1                                      HFC-388pcc/                                                                    HFC-449mmzf                                                                    73.3/26.7 7.10    49.0    7.10  49.0  0.0                                      85/15     7.06    48.7    7.05  48.6  0.1                                      99/1      6.90    47.6    6.89  47.5  0.1                                      40/60     6.82    47.0    6.71  46.3  1.6                                      20/80     6.33    43.6    6.11  42.1  3.5                                      10/90     5.94    41.0    5.75  39.6  3.2                                       1/99     5.48    37.8    5.45  37.6  0.5                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HCF-c354cc                                                                     62.3/37.7 7.72    53.2    7.72  53.2  0.0                                      80/20     7.58    52.3    7.53  51.9  0.7                                      99/1      6.94    47.8    6.92  47.7  0.3                                      40/60     7.56    52.1    7.48  51.6  1.1                                      20/80     7.16    49.4    6.93  47.8  3.2                                       1/99     6.42    44.3    6.38  44.0  0.6                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    FC-c51-12c                                                                     68.4/31.6 7.10    49.0    7.10  49.0  0.0                                      80/20     7.07    48.7    7.06  48.7  0.1                                      99/1      6.89    47.5    6.89  47.5  0.0                                      40/60     6.92    47.7    6.86  47.3  0.9                                      20/80     6.51    44.9    6.37  43.9  2.2                                       1/99     5.73    39.5    5.70  39.3  0.5                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-c429                                                                       68.4/31.6 6.18    42.6    6.18  42.6  0.0                                      80/20     6.29    43.4    6.25  43.1  0.6                                      90/10     6.55    45.2    6.46  44.5  1.4                                      99/1      6.85    47.2    6.83  47.1  0.3                                      40/60     6.85    47.2    6.56  45.2  4.2                                      20/80     7.93    54.7    7.49  51.6  5.5                                      10/90     8.56    59.0    8.26  57.0  3.5                                       1/99     9.15    63.1    9.11  62.8  0.4                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-c52-11                                                                     12.5/87.5 3.88    26.8    3.88  26.8  0.0                                       1/99     3.92    27.0    3.92  27.0  0.0                                      40/60     4.19    28.9    4.07  28.1  2.9                                      60/40     4.86    33.5    4.47  30.8  8.0                                      65/35     5.09    35.1    4.63  31.9  9.0                                      70/30     5.33    36.7    4.82  33.2  9.6                                      72/28     5.44    37.5    4.90  33.8  9.9                                      73/27     5.49    37.9    4.95  34.1  9.8                                      80/20     5.86    40.4    5.33  36.7  9.0                                      99/1      6.84    47.2    6.80  46.9  0.6                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    245caEαβ                                                            49.1/50.9 9.06    62.5    9.06  62.5  0.0                                      20/80     8.85    61.0    8.81  60.7  0.5                                       1/99     8.53    58.8    8.52  58.7  0.1                                      80/20     8.67    59.8    8.43  58.1  2.8                                      90/10     8.21    56.6    7.66  52.8  6.7                                      99/1      7.12    49.1    6.92  47.7  2.8                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    245eaE                                                                         81.0/19.0 7.50    51.7    7.50  51.7  0.0                                      90/10     7.43    51.2    7.38  50.9  0.7                                      99/1      6.99    48.2    6.93  47.8  0.9                                      60/40     7.27    50.1    7.12  49.1  2.1                                      40/60     6.76    46.6    6.41  44.2  5.2                                      20/80     6.06    41.8    5.72  39.4  5.6                                      10/90     5.65    39.0    5.45  37.6  3.5                                       1/99     5.27    36.3    5.24  36.1  0.6                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    338meeEβγ                                                           80.1/19.9 7.15    49.3    7.15  49.3  0.0                                      90/10     7.10    49.0    7.09  48.9  0.1                                      99/1      6.92    47.7    6.91  47.6  0.1                                      60/40     7.02    48.4    6.98  48.1  0.6                                      40/60     6.72    46.3    6.63  45.7  1.3                                      20/80     6.30    43.4    6.21  42.8  1.4                                       1/99     5.83    40.2    5.82  40.1  0.2                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    338peEγδ                                                           59.0/41.0 7.54    52.0    7.54  52.0  0.0                                      80/20     7.44    51.3    7.41  51.1  0.4                                      99/1      6.94    47.8    6.91  47.6  0.4                                      40/60     7.48    51.6    7.47  51.5  0.1                                      20/80     7.33    50.5    7.31  50.4  0.3                                       1/99     7.13    49.2    7.13  49.2  0.1                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    347mcfEβγ                                                           64.1/35.9 7.53    51.9    7.53  51.9  0.0                                      80/20     7.45    51.4    7.43  51.2  0.3                                      99/1      6.94    47.8    6.92  47.7  0.3                                      40/60     7.41    51.1    7.39  51.0  0.3                                      20/80     7.20    49.6    7.17  49.4  0.4                                       1/99     6.93    47.8    6.93  47.8  0.0                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    347mcfEγδ                                                          66.4/33.6 7.48    51.6    7.48  51.6  0.0                                      80/20     7.42    51.2    7.40  51.0  0.3                                      99/1      6.94    47.8    6.91  47.6  0.4                                      40.60     7.34    50.6    7.31  50.4  0.4                                      20/80     7.09    48.9    7.06  48.7  0.4                                       1/99     6.80    46.9    6.80  46.9  0.0                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    347mmzEβγ                                                           93.3/6.7  6.93    47.8    6.93  47.8  0.0                                      99/1      6.90    47.6    6.89  47.5  0.1                                      60/40     6.44    44.4    6.21  42.8  3.6                                      40/60     5.86    40.4    5.50  37.9  6.1                                      20/80     5.14    35.4    4.84  33.4  5.8                                       1/99     4.37    30.1    4.35  30.0  0.5                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    356mecEγδ                                                          88.9/11.1 7.15    49.3    7.15  49.3  0.0                                      99/1      6.96    48.0    6.92  47.7  0.6                                      60/40     6.72    46.3    6.54  45.1  2.7                                      40/60     6.19    42.7    5.97  41.2  3.6                                      20/80     5.63    38.8    5.48  37.8  2.7                                       1/99     5.11    35.2    5.10  35.2  0.2                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    356mecE2αβγδ                                            88.4/11.6 7.06    48.7    7.06  48.7  0.0                                      99/1      6.92    47.7    6.91  47.6  0.1                                      60/40     6.68    46.1    6.42  44.3  3.9                                      40/60     6.06    41.8    5.58  38.5  7.9                                      30/70     5.67    39.1    5.16  35.6  9.0                                      20/80     5.23    36.1    4.78  33.0  8.6                                      10/90     4.74    32.7    4.47  30.8  5.7                                       1/99     4.27    29.4    4.24  29.2  0.7                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    356mmzEβγ                                                           85.4/14.6 7.26    50.1    7.26  50.1  0.0                                      99/1      6.98    48.1    6.92  47.7  0.9                                      60/40     6.98    48.1    6.89  47.5  1.3                                      40/60     6.57    45.3    6.45  44.5  1.8                                      20/80     6.14    42.3    6.06  41.8  1.3                                       1/99     5.75    39.6    5.75  39.6  0.0                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    365mcEγδ                                                           81.0/19.0 7.52    51.8    7.52  51.8  0.0                                      99/1      7.04    48.5    6.93  47.8  1.6                                      60/40     7.34    50.6    7.29  50.3  0.7                                      40/60     7.02    48.4    6.94  47.8  1.1                                      20/80     6.66    45.9    6.61  45.6  0.8                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    374pcEβγ                                                            84.8/15.2 7.36    50.7    7.36  50.7  0.0                                      99/1      6.98    48.1    6.93  47.8  0.7                                      60/40     7.01    48.3    6.77  46.7  3.4                                      40/60     6.41    44.2    5.96  41.1  7.0                                      30/70     6.04    41.6    5.57  38.4  7.8                                      20/80     5.64    38.9    5.25  36.2  6.9                                       1/99     4.82    33.2    4.79  33.0  0.6                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    383mEβγ                                                             78.5/21.5 7.86    54.2    7.86  54.2  0.0                                      90/10     7.73    53.3    7.63  52.6  1.3                                      99/1      7.08    48.8    6.94  47.8  2.0                                      60/40     7.68    53.0    7.57  52.2  1.4                                      40/60     7.22    49.8    6.97  48.1  3.5                                      20/80     6.63    45.7    6.41  44.2  3.3                                       1/99     6.01    41.4    6.00  41.4  0.2                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    467mmyEβγ                                                           64.7/35.3 7.60    52.4    7.60  52.4  0.0                                      80/20     7.53    51.9    7.50  51.7  0.4                                      99/1      6.96    48.0    6.92  47.7  0.6                                      40/60     7.47    51.5    7.45  51.4  0.3                                      20/80     7.23    49.8    7.21  49.7  0.3                                       1/99     6.95    47.9    6.95  47.9  0.0                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    467sfEγδ                                                           81.6/18.4 7.20    49.6    7.20  49.6  0.0                                      99/1      6.93    47.8    6.91  47.6  0.3                                      60/40     7.03    48.5    6.96  48.0  1.0                                      40/60     6.66    45.9    6.51  44.9  2.3                                      20/80     6.15    42.4    6.02  41.5  2.1                                       1/99     5.60    38.6    5.59  38.5  0.2                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    C.sub.4 F.sub.9 OCH.sub.3                                                      95.3/4.7  6.91    47.6    6.91  47.6  0.0                                      99/1      6.89    47.5    6.89  47.5  0.0                                      60/40     6.31    43.5    6.02  41.5  4.6                                      40/60     5.66    39.0    5.27  36.3  6.9                                      20/80     4.89    33.7    4.60  31.7  5.9                                       1/99     4.11    28.3    4.09  28.2  0.5                                      90/10     6.89    47.5    6.88  47.4  0.1                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    (CF.sub.3).sub.3 COH                                                           60.0/40.0 8.74    60.3    8.74  60.3  0.0                                      80/20     8.56    59.0    8.27  57.0  3.4                                      88/12     8.31    57.3    7.53  51.9  9.4                                      89/11     8.27    57.0    7.42  51.2  10.3                                     40/60     8.55    59.0    8.31  57.3  2.8                                      20/80     7.85    54.1    7.38  50.9  6.0                                      10/90     7.22    49.8    6.82  47.0  5.5                                       1/99     6.46    44.5    6.40  44.1  0.9                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    C.sub.5 F.sub.11 NO                                                            61.8/38.2 7.15    49.3    7.15  49.3  0.0                                      80/20     7.09    48.9    7.08  48.8  0.1                                      99/1      6.89    47.5    6.89  47.5  0.0                                      40/60     7.05    48.6    7.02  48.4  0.4                                      20/80     6.72    46.3    6.62  45.6  1.5                                       1/99     6.03    41.6    6.01  41.4  0.3                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    dimethoxy-                                                                     methane                                                                        85.0/15.0 8.94    61.6    8.94  61.6  0.0                                      95/5      8.74    60.3    8.50  58.6  2.7                                      70/30     8.72    60.1    8.58  59.2  1.6                                      60/40     8.45    58.3    8.22  56.7  2.7                                      40/60     7.88    54.3    7.62  52.5  3.3                                      20/80     7.36    50.7    7.20  49.6  2.2                                       1/99     6.93    47.8    6.93  47.8  0.0                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    diethylether                                                                   63.7/36.3 12.7    87.2    12.7  87.2  0.0                                      80/20     12.4    85.8    12.1  83.4  2.7                                      86/14     12.2    84.1    11.1  76.2  9.4                                      87/13     12.2    83.8    10.7  73.8  11.9                                     40/60     12.3    84.8    12.0  82.5  2.8                                      20/80     11.6    80.0    11.0  76.0  4.9                                       1/99     10.5    72.4    10.5  72.2  0.3                                      HFC-338pcc/                                                                    diethoxyethane                                                                 98.7/1.3  6.96    48.0    6.96  48.0  0.0                                      99.9/0.1  6.91    47.6    6.89  47.5  0.3                                      90/10     6.90    47.6    6.72  46.3  2.6                                      83/17     6.78    46.7    6.12  42.2  9.7                                      82/18     6.76    46.6    6.00  41.4  11.2                                     HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-43-10mcf                                                                   64.0/36.0 7.23    49.8    7.23  49.8  0.0                                      80/20     7.16    49.4    7.15  49.3  0.1                                      90/10     7.06    48.7    7.03  48.5  0.4                                      99/1      6.90    47.6    6.90  47.6  0.0                                      50/50     7.18    49.5    7.16  49.4  0.3                                      30/70     6.93    47.8    6.84  47.2  1.3                                      15/85     6.56    45.2    6.44  44.4  1.8                                       1/99     6.00    41.4    5.99  41.3  0.2                                      ______________________________________                                    

The results of this Example show that these compositions are azeotropic or azeotrope-like because when 50 wt. % of an original composition is removed, the vapor pressure of the remaining composition is within about 10% of the vapor pressure of the original composition, at a temperature of 25° C.

EXAMPLE 3 Impact of Vapor Leakage at 50° C.

A leak test is performed on compositions of HFC-338pcc and HFC-272ea, at the temperature of 50° C. The results are summarized below.

    ______________________________________                                         Refrigerant                                                                            0 wt % evaporated                                                                           50 wt % evaporated                                                                          0% change in                                 Composition                                                                            psia     kPa     psia   kPa   vapor pressure                           ______________________________________                                         HFC-338pcc/HFC-43-10mf                                                         60.2/39.8                                                                              19.02    131     19.02  131   0.0                                      80/20   18.79    130     18.74  129   0.3                                      99/1    18.06    125     18.04  124   0.1                                      40/60   18.78    129     18.70  129   0.4                                      20/80   17.95    124     17.72  122   1.3                                      1/99    16.36    113     16.32  112   0.2                                      ______________________________________                                    

These results show that compositions of and are azeotropic or azeotrope-like at different temperatures, but that the weight percents of the components vary as the temperature is changed.

EXAMPLE 4 Refrigerant Performance

The following table shows the performance of various refrigerants in an ideal vapor compression cycle. The data are based on the following conditions. These conditions are typical of a high speed small turbine compressor.

    ______________________________________                                         Evaporator temperature                                                                             40.0° F. (4.4° C.)                           Condenser temperature                                                                              110.0° F. (43.3° C.)                         Liquid subcooled    10° F. (5.6° C.)                             Return Gas          75° F. (23.9° C.)                            ______________________________________                                          Compressor efficiency is 70%.                                            

The refrigeration capacity is based on a compressor with a fixed displacement of 3.5 cubic feet per minute and 70% volumetric efficiency. Capacity is intended to mean the change in enthalpy of the refrigerant in the evaporator per pound of refrigerant circulated, i.e. the heat removed by the refrigerant in the evaporator per time. Coefficient of performance (COP) is intended to mean the ratio of the capacity to compressor work. It is a measure of refrigerant energy efficiency.

    __________________________________________________________________________              Evap.   Cond.                Capacity                                 Refrig.  Press.  Press.  Comp. Dis.   BTU/min                                  Comp.    Psia                                                                               kPa Psia                                                                               kPa Temp. °F.                                                                    °C.                                                                         COP kW                                       __________________________________________________________________________     HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-42-11mmyc                                                                  1/99     2.8 19  14.0                                                                               97  128.6                                                                               53.7                                                                               3.83                                                                               16.3                                                                               0.29                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.6                                                                               61.4                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-42-11p                                                                     1/99     2.8 19  14.2                                                                               98  128.5                                                                               53.6                                                                               3.83                                                                               16.5                                                                               0.29                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.6                                                                               61.4                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-43-10mf                                                                    1/99     2.6 18  13.2                                                                               91  129.6                                                                               54.2                                                                               3.86                                                                               15.5                                                                               0.27                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.6                                                                               61.4                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-449mmzf                                                                    1/99     2.1 14  10.9                                                                               75  133.6                                                                               56.4                                                                               3.94                                                                               12.9                                                                               0.23                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.7                                                                               61.5                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-c354cc                                                                     1/99     2.6 18  11.7                                                                                8  153.1                                                                               67.3                                                                               4.21                                                                               16.0                                                                               0.28                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.9                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    FC-c51-12c                                                                     1/99     2.3 16  10.9                                                                               75  120.5                                                                               49.2                                                                               3.71                                                                               12.5                                                                               0.22                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.5                                                                               61.4                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-c429                                                                       1/99     3.9 27  17.0                                                                               117 129.0                                                                               53.9                                                                               3.87                                                                               21.1                                                                               0.37                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.5                                                                               100 142.7                                                                               61.5                                                                               4.05                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-c52-11                                                                     1/99     1.5 10  7.7 53  124.8                                                                               51.6                                                                               3.84                                                                               8.9 0.16                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.6                                                                               61.4                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.1                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    245caEαβ                                                            1/99     1.5 10  7.7 53  124.8                                                                               51.6                                                                               3.84                                                                               8.9 0.16                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.6                                                                               61.4                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.1                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    245eaE                                                                         1/99     1.9 13  10.4                                                                               72  167.8                                                                               75.4                                                                               4.26                                                                               13.4                                                                               0.24                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.5                                                                               100 143.0                                                                               61.7                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.3                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    338meeEβγ                                                           1/99     2.2 15  11.8                                                                               81  141.8                                                                               61.0                                                                               4.04                                                                               14.2                                                                               0.25                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    338peEγδ                                                           1/99     2.8 19  14.4                                                                               99  140.4                                                                               60.2                                                                               4.02                                                                               17.4                                                                               0.31                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    347/mcfEβγ                                                          1/99     2.7 19  13.8                                                                               95  141.9                                                                               61.1                                                                               4.04                                                                               17.0                                                                               0.30                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    347mcfEγδ                                                          1/99     2.6 18  13.6                                                                               94  142.1                                                                               61.2                                                                               4.04                                                                               16.6                                                                               0.29                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    347mmzEβγ                                                           1/99     1.6 11  8.8 61  145.2                                                                               62.9                                                                               4.10                                                                               10.6                                                                               0.19                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.1                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    356mecEγδ                                                          1/99     1.8 12  9.5 66  145.8                                                                               63.2                                                                               4.12                                                                               11.7                                                                               0.21                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.1                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    356mecE2αβγδ                                            1/99     1.5 10  8.8 61  143.8                                                                               62.1                                                                               4.10                                                                               10.4                                                                               0.18                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    356mmzEβγ                                                           1/99     2.3 16  11.7                                                                               81  144.3                                                                               62.4                                                                               4.09                                                                               14.5                                                                               0.26                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    365mcfEγδ                                                          1/99     2.5 17  12.7                                                                               88  145.2                                                                               62.9                                                                               4.10                                                                               16.0                                                                               0.28                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    374pcEβγ                                                            1/99     1.7 12  9.4 65  152.5                                                                               66.9                                                                               4.19                                                                               11.8                                                                               0.21                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.8                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    383mEβγ                                                             1/99     2.2 15  11.6                                                                               80  152.8                                                                               67.1                                                                               4.17                                                                               14.9                                                                               0.26                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.5                                                                               100 142.9                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.3                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    467mmyEβγ                                                           1/99     2.7 19  13.8                                                                               95  132.1                                                                               55.6                                                                               3.91                                                                               16.4                                                                               0.29                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.7                                                                               61.5                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    467sfEγδ                                                           1/99     2.1 14  11.2                                                                               77  133.4                                                                               56.3                                                                               3.94                                                                               13.2                                                                               0.23                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.7                                                                               61.5                                                                               4/.06                                                                              18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    C.sub.4 F.sub.9 OCH.sub.3                                                      1/99     1.5 10  8.4 58  131.4                                                                               55.2                                                                               3.93                                                                               9.6 0.17                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.7                                                                               61.5                                                                               4.05                                                                               18.1                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    (CF.sub.3).sub.3 COH                                                           1/99     2.4 17  15.1                                                                               104 140.5                                                                               60.3                                                                               3.99                                                                               16.7                                                                               0.29                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.5                                                                               100 142.7                                                                               61.5                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.4                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    C.sub.5 F.sub.11 NO                                                            1/99     2.3 16  11.9                                                                               82  122.9                                                                               50.5                                                                               3.74                                                                               13.4                                                                               0.24                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.6                                                                               61.4                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    dimethoxymethane                                                               1/99     2.6 18  13.6                                                                               94  174.8                                                                               79.3                                                                               4.37                                                                               18.6                                                                               0.33                                 99/1     3.1 21  15.1                                                                               104 143.9                                                                               62.2                                                                               4.10                                                                               19.3                                                                               0.34                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    diethylether                                                                   1/99     4.3 30  19.5                                                                               134 158.7                                                                               70.4                                                                               4.20                                                                               26.5                                                                               0.47                                 99/1     3.1 21  14.9                                                                               103 142.9                                                                               61.6                                                                               4.08                                                                               18.9                                                                               0.33                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    diethoxyethane                                                                 1/99     0.1  1  0.8  6  155.2                                                                               68.4                                                                               4.47                                                                               0.8 0.02                                 99/1     2.4 17  13.0                                                                               90  147.8                                                                               64.3                                                                               3.93                                                                               15.2                                                                               0.27                                 HFC-338pcc/                                                                    HFC-43-10mcf                                                                   1/99     2.3 16  11.9                                                                               82  130.3                                                                               54.6                                                                               3.88                                                                               14.0                                                                               0.25                                 99/1     3.0 21  14.4                                                                               99  142.6                                                                               61.4                                                                               4.06                                                                               18.2                                                                               0.32                                 __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 5

This Example is directed to measurements of the liquid/vapor equilibrium curves for the mixtures in FIGS. 1-30.

Turning to FIG. 1, the upper curve represents the composition of the liquid, and the lower curve represents the composition of the vapor.

The data for the compositions of the liquid in FIG. 1 are obtained as follows. A stainless steel cylinder is evacuated, and a weighed amount of HFC-338pcc is added to the cylinder. The cylinder is cooled to reduce the vapor pressure of HFC-338pcc and then a weighed amount of HFC-42-11-mmyc is added to the cylinder. The cylinder is agitated to mix the HFC-388pcc and HFC-42-11mmyc, and then the cylinder is placed in a constant temperature bath until the temperature comes to equilibrium at 25° C., at which time the vapor pressure of the HFC-338pcc and HFC-41-11 mmyc in the cylinder is measured. Additional samples of liquid are measured the same way, and the results are plotted in FIG. 1.

The curve which shows the composition of the vapor is calculated using an ideal gas equation of state.

Vapor/liquid equilibrium data are obtained in the same way for the mixtures shown in FIGS. 2-30.

The data in FIGS. 1-6 and 9-30 show that at 25° C., there are ranges of compositions that have vapor pressures higher than the vapor pressures of the pure components of the composition at that same temperature. As stated earlier, the higher than expected pressures of these compositions may result in an unexpected increase in the refrigeration capacity or efficiency for these compositions versus the pure components of the compositions.

The data in FIGS. 7, 8 show that at 25° C., there are ranges of compositions that have vapor pressures lower than the vapor pressures of the pure components of the composition at that same temperature. These minimum vapor pressure compositions are useful in refrigeration, and may show an improved efficiency when compared to the pure components of the composition.

The novel compositions of this invention, including the azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions, may be used to produce refrigeration by condensing the compositions and thereafter evaporating the condensate in the vicinity of a body to be cooled. The novel compositions may also be used to produce heat by condensing the refrigerant in the vicinity of the body to be heated and thereafter evaporating the refrigerant. These compositions may be particularly useful in high speed, small turbine compressors with speeds from about 40,000-90,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

The compositions of the present inventions are useful as blowing agents in the production of thermoset foams, which include polyurethane and phenolic foams, and thermoplastic foams, which include polystyrene or polyolefin foams.

A polyurethane foam may be made by combining a composition of the present invention, which functions as a blowing agent, together with an isocyanate, a polyol, and appropriate catalysts or surfactants to form a poylurethane or polyisocyanurate reaction formulation. Water may be added to the formulation reaction to modify the foam polymer as well as to generate carbon dioxide as an in-situ blowing agent.

A phenolic foam may be produced by combining a phenolic resin or resole, acid catalysts, a blowing agent of the present invention and appropriate surfactants to form a phenolic reaction formulation. The formulation may be chosen such that either an open cell or closed cell phenolic foam is produced.

Polystyrene or polyolefin foams may be made by extruding a molten mixture of a polymer, such as polystyrene, polyethylene or polypropylene), a nucleating agent and a blowing agent of the present invention through an extrusion die that yields the desired foam product profile.

The novel compositions of this invention, including the azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions, may be used as cleaning agents to clean, for example, electronic circuit boards. Electronic components are soldered to circuit boards by coating the entire circuit side of the board with flux and thereafter passing the flux-coated board over preheaters and through molten solder. The flux cleans the conductive metal parts and promotes solder fusion, but leave residues on the circuit boards that must be removed with a cleaning agent. This is conventionally done by suspending a circuit board to be cleaned in a boiling sump which contains the azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition, then suspending the circuit board in a rinse sump, which contains the same azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition, and finally, for one minute in the solvent vapor above the boiling sump.

As a further example, the azeotropic mixtures of this invention can be used in cleaning processes such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,881,949, or as a buffing abrasive detergent.

It is desirable that the cleaning agents be azeotropic or azeotrope-like so that they do not tend to fractionate upon boiling or evaporation. This behavior is desirable because if the cleaning agent were not azeotropic or azeotrope-like, the more volatile components of the cleaning agent would preferentially evaporate, and would result in a cleaning agent with a changed composition that may become flammable and that may have less-desirable solvency properties, such as lower rosin flux solvency and lower inertness toward the electrical components being cleaned. The azeotropic character is also desirable in vapor degreasing operations because the cleaning agent is generally redistilled and employed for final rinse cleaning.

The novel compositions of this invention are also useful as fire extinguishing agents.

In addition to these applications, the novel constant boiling or substantially constant boiling compositions of the invention are also useful as aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, and power cycle working fluids.

ADDITIONAL COMPOUNDS

Other components, such as aliphatic hydrocarbons having a boiling point of -60° to +100° C., hydrofluorocarbonalkanes having a boiling point of -60° to +100° C., hydrofluoropropanes having a boiling point of between -60° to +100° C., hydrocarbon esters having a boiling point between -60° to +100° C., hydrochlorofluorocarbons having a boiling point between -60° to +100° C., hydrofluorocarbons having a boiling point of -60° to +100° C., hydrochlorocarbons having a boiling point between -60° to +100° C., chlorocarbons and perfluorinated compounds, can be added to the azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions described above.

Additives such as lubricants, corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, stabilizers, dyes and other appropriate materials may be added to the novel compositions of the invention for a variety of purposes provides they do not have an adverse influence on the composition for its intended application. Preferred lubricants include esters having a molecular weight greater than 250. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition consisting essentially of about 1-99 weight percent 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane and about 1-99 weight percent of a fluoroether selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,-nonafluoro-4-methoxy-butane, 1,1,1,2,3,3,-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-3-methoxy-propane 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)-propane, and 1,1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluoro-2-methoxy-butane, wherein when the temperature has been adjusted to about 25° C., said composition has a vapor pressure of about 4.11 to about 6.91 psia and wherein the change in vapor pressure is less than about 10 percent when 50 percent of the composition has been removed.
 2. A process for producing refrigeration, comprising condensing a composition of claim 1 and thereafter evaporating said composition in the vicinity of the body to be cooled.
 3. A process for producing heat comprising condensing a composition of claim 1 in the vicinity of a body to be heated, and thereafter evaporating said composition.
 4. A process for preparing a thermoset or thermoplastic foam comprising solubilizing an effective amount of a composition of claim 1 as a blowing agent in the thermoplastic foam formulation followed by blowing the thermoplastic foam formulation into a thermoplastic foam.
 5. A process for cleaning a solid surface comprising treating said surface with a composition of claim
 1. 6. A process for preparing aerosol formulations wherein active ingredients are combined in an aerosol container with an effective amount of the composition of claim
 1. 7. An aerosol composition comprising active ingredients and a propellant, wherein the propellant is the composition of claim
 1. 